Student Ambassador Receives 2014 Young Leaders Award

Time management is a skill, but leadership is a passion

ST. LOUIS, February 10, 2014 - Alexandria McCuien, a graduate student in the Walker
School of Business and Technology at Webster University, will be recognized for her
leadership at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 4th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception on Thursday, Feb.13,
2014. While the recognition is a great milestone and accomplishment, to Alexandria
leadership is her passion and is a routine part of her daily life.

“It is just who I am. I enjoy helping others,” said McCuien. “I am still shocked when
people congratulate me and are amazed at my work.”

Her leadership skills blossomed during high school and earned her a “Student of the
Month” recognition. She also was a recipient of academic high honors from Alton High
School. Both achievements caught the attention of Mark Showers, former chief information
officer of Monsanto, who offered her a co-op in information technology at the agricultural
company. Later, she took on the role of Financial Operations Analyst for Global Commercial
IT.

Her leadership roles continued at Webster University. In 2010 she was awarded Webster
University’s Capstone Award for Leadership along with WebsterLEADS Leadership Certificate,
Regional Business Council Young Professionals Network - Leadership 100, and Leadership
Delta. She completed her B.S. in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Web
Design in 2011 and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration and
certificate in Decision Support Systems. Despite her busy schedule, she still has
time to serve as the only Graduate Student Ambassador for Webster University’s President’s
Office and Office of Alumni and Development Programs.

“Alex is one of the most dedicated students I have ever worked with,” said Billy Ratz,
development officer and Student Ambassador advisor at Webster University. “All students
who work with her look up to her as a mentor and leader. There is no other person
out there who is more worthy of the honor given to her by the St. Louis American.”

McCuien devotes most of her success to her experience at Webster. “My professors,
peers and learning experiences while being involved are all a part of what has made
me who I am,” she said. “Webster has been great to me. I am thankful they have given
me so many opportunities.”

McCuien is currently an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - East St.
Louis Alumnae Chapter where she serves as the Technology Task Force Co-chair and is
an active volunteer of Susan G. Komen Saint Louis Race for the Cure® where she is
a Team Development Committee Liaison. She is also a member of the YWCA Young Ambassadors
of Metro St. Louis.

She is a member of Shalom Church (City of Peace) where she serves in several ministries.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (SIC) me [Philippians 4:13 (KJV)],” McCuien said. “God, my mom, my family, church family
and friends all motivate me.”

McCuien currently works at AT&T as a Specialist-Applications Developer and plans to
attend the award ceremony with family and friends.

The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders recognizes excellence
in performance and service by 20 outstanding African-American professionals under
age 40. It will be held at Four Seasons Hotel.